Spatially Resolved Detection Apparatus with Electro-Optical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection apparatus, such as laser scanners, face challenges in achieving a large angular range of up to 360° while maintaining sensitivity and service life, as they require moving heavy components and have limited elevation capabilities and sensitivity issues due to the design of the optical transmission and reception systems.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an imaging arrangement that covers the total detection region at all times, with spatial resolution means that allow for the variation of the detection region's position and size, enabling scanning at different vertical positions and improving sensitivity by adjusting the overlap between the transmission and reception regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a motor-moved rotating prism or rotating mirror is used to deflect the scanning beam over a large angular range, then the detection angle is improved, but the weight of moving object and use of energy increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating prism or mirror system with an electro-optical unit that can be set into rotation. This substitution reduces the mass of moving parts while maintaining the ability to scan the detection region over a large angular range, directly addressing the contradiction between detection angle and weight of moving object
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transmission aperture and reception aperture, and when set into rotation, it performs beam deflection for scanning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy rotating components, reducing weight while maintaining detection angle capability
2Area of moving object
If a motor-moved rotating prism or rotating mirror is used to scan the detection region, then the detection angle is improved, but the reliability decreases due to limited service life from mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional motor-moved mechanical rotating prisms or mirrors with an electro-optical unit that can be set into rotation. This reduces mechanical wear and friction, thereby improving reliability and extending service life while maintaining the ability to scan over large angular ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using an electro-optical unit instead of heavy mechanical components. The electro-optical unit can be rotated with less mechanical stress and wear, improving the service life and reliability of the sensor while achieving the required detection angle
3Reliability
If the optical transmission system and optical reception system are arranged close to each other to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the detection angle and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electro-optical unit dynamic by setting it into rotation. This dynamic operation allows the closely arranged transmission and reception systems to scan a large angular range, simultaneously achieving high sensitivity (from close arrangement) and large detection angle (from rotation), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters
4Area of moving object
If heavy components are rotated to achieve 360° scanning, then the detection angle is improved, but the use of energy increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical rotating components with a lighter electro-optical unit that can be set into rotation. This substitution significantly reduces the moment of inertia and the power required for rotation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the 360° scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical unit performs multiple functions including transmission, reception, and beam deflection for scanning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy rotating components, reducing the mass that needs to be rotated and thereby reducing the energy required for scanning operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution minimizes the need for moving components, increases the service life of the detection apparatus, and enhances sensitivity by allowing for adjustable detection angles and vertical scanning capabilities without rotating heavy parts, thus providing a reliable and efficient spatially resolved detection system.
Implementation Method 1
a reception device (41) for the reception of radiation (25) reflected from a reception region (23)
Implementation Method 2
The distance measurement takes place in this respect e.g. in accordance with a time of flight (TOF) measurement principle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for spatially resolved detection of objects has transmission and reception devices, in which transmission and reception regions overlap or intersect in a detection region which is disposed within a monitored zone. The monitored zone covers a detection angle in which the transmitted radiation is reflected by objects. An imaging arrangement is disposed in the propagation path of the transmitted radiation and/or of the reflected radiation and covers the total detection region at the transmission side and/or at the reception side at all times. Spatial resolution is used for influencing the propagation direction of the radiation and/or for the operation of the reception device, in a time varying manner, such that the spacing of the detection region relative to the imaging arrangement and/or the size of the detection region determined by the degree to which the transmission region and the reception region overlap or intersect changes.